THERE'S no way we should have a 10 per cent council tax hike in Hyndburn. Cut services certainly and let's have fewer councillors and paid officers. Also, the Mayor and her entourage can go. All these people knew last September there were serious problems, yet they kept giving money away like confetti.

A small group of people, i.e. the cabinet, with no expertise in handling millions of pounds of tax payers' money decide how it should be spent. The people of Hyndburn now need to get together. There must be thousands who do not care a jot about the Labour or Tory party.

They have had their chance. I've been to area council meetings when things have been decided before the meeting starts and then they have the gall to ask the public for their views.

At the next local elections we should refuse to vote. Why should a few people, possibly 12, make all the decisions for the whole population of Hyndburn?

These same people have reduced and destroyed our bus station. They built a new shopping complex with about 20 new shops. We already have up to 40 shops empty in the town centre. Regarding the cinema, I was in favour of its concept, but if vast amounts of money are being lost, it should be closed.

I don't profess to know all the answers, but if there's a North East Ray Mallon out there, please step forward. This is the type of mayor we need.

Name and address supplied.